The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has announced that the current pensions ombudsman, Anthony Arter, will take on the role of deputy pensions ombudsman once his term ends on 15 January 2023.

This is an interim appointment for up to 12 months, and has been approved by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously confirmed that Dominic Harris had been appointed as pensions ombudsman and pensions protection fund ombudsman, and is expected to take on the role from 16 January 2023.

However, Arter will remain to complete the cases for which he has held Pensions Dishonesty Unit oral hearings, deal with any conflicts which the new ombudsman may have, and to help ensure a smooth transition.

TPO clarified that this will be a part-time post, exclusively dealing with determinations, meaning that Arter will no longer have responsibility for the management of the organisation.

It also pointed out that there has not been a standalone deputy pensions ombudsman since 1 July 2020, emphasising that, following the launch of the Pensions Dishonesty Unit in January 2022 and a "continual rise in the number of complaints TPO receives annually", the number of investigations requiring ombudsman involvement has "inevitably" increased.

TPO chair, Caroline Rookes, commented: “Under Anthony’s leadership TPO has gone from strength to strength as the complexity and volume of complaints we receive has increased rapidly.

"I am pleased that Anthony has agreed to stay on to help make sure there is a smooth transition to Dominic as the new ombudsman.”

Adding to this, Arter stated: “I am delighted to be staying on as deputy pensions ombudsman and am looking forward to working alongside Dominic.

"In particular, the work of the Pensions Dishonesty Unit is very close to my heart and it is essential that this work continues so those responsible for serious breaches of trust and misappropriation of pension funds can be held to account and funds recovered from the parties at fault.”

Share Story: